Stories have the power to connect us. When we are immersed in a story, we can see the world through someone else’s eyes.
Stories of our triumphs, of finding solutions to problems, of overcoming barriers and discovering what is possible can build authentic communities around shared meaning and values.
“Stories can conquer fear. They can make the heart bigger”. – Ben Okri
My Y Story Project
On February 15, we’ll be launching our annual YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and asking you to share your Y story with us.
Y • stor • y
[why-stor-i] n
1. An account of real people and events whose lives have been shaped by the YMCA.
2. A recollection of memories and experiences at the YMCA that have changed lives.
Origin: < Latin Y historia Y history
How to share your story
Tell us how the Y has changed your life or the life of someone you know. Maybe you have a story about your first camp experience or how you were inspired to join a class in the first YMCA in Oakville. Whether your story is new, or 20 years old, we want to hear it and see your new or old photos too!
The collection of stories will be retold to the community and featured throughout the year and at our upcoming Annual General Meeting in June.
You can submit your story to communications@oakville.ymca.ca or complete a story card available starting February 15 at the Peter Gilgan Family YMCA.
A thank you for sharing
As a thank you for sharing your Y story, we’ll enter your name into a special draw to win a variety of prizes from I heart my Y gift packages to a three-month YMCA membership credit, to camp or community programs that you can use, gift or give back to us so we can give it to someone in need.
We want everyone in our community to have the opportunity to create their own YMCA story. Donate to the My Y Story Project campaign to support YMCA Strong Kids and give our most vulnerable children, youth and families the opportunity to have a YMCA experience that can change their life.
Your gift today will make a difference for the future, because as renowned author Phillip Pullman said, “Once upon a time lasts forever.”
To read some of our current inspiring Y stories visit YMCA stories.
